Chapter 21

The waiter left with a smile.

Rong Xi accepted the invitation and took a seat opposite Liang Siwen. Seeing the young boy wholly absorbed in the food, looking rather adorable, he could not help but feel some regret when he thought of what the boy would suffer in the future.

Though he watched the boy, his gaze was clear, without the slightest hint of impropriety. Chen Chuangu felt much relieved and became even more convinced there had to be some misunderstanding.

He hinted at Chen Dalang, but Chen Dalang merely continued tasting the dishes. Yet after only a few breaths, he set down his chopsticks and did not move again.

"Do the dishes not suit your taste?" Chen Chuangu asked.

Hearing this, Liang Siwen also lifted his head to look at Chen Dalang.

"I'm not hungry," Chen Dalang replied indifferently.

Rong Xi had lived with him for more than ten days and knew that he was exceptionally picky about food. Seeing this, he said, "Since old friends have reunited, if Young Master Chen is free tomorrow, Xi would like to host you at Rong Residence. I hope you will honor me with your presence."

He knew Liang Siwen's identity. He was Prince Qin's adopted son.

For Chen Dalang to travel with Prince Qin's adopted son and even take charge of matters, his identity could not be underestimated.

Rong Xi had no wish to pry into another's privacy, nor did he care about another's status. Chen Dalang had given him jade, and he naturally ought to repay the favor.

At his words, Chen Dalang's expression softened somewhat, and a smile touched the corners of his eyes. "The honor is mine."

Liang Siwen was even more bewildered. "Father?"

Why, when they clearly knew Rong Xi had bullied him, were Father and Uncle Chen treating him with such courtesy?

It was not that he bore any resentment. He was merely curious.

Rong Xi was holding his teacup and sipping tea when he heard those two words from Liang Siwen. He nearly spat it out. Though he barely managed to hold it in, he choked until his head spun, his face flushing bright red.

Since their first meeting, Rong Dalang had always been tolerant and courteous, dignified and reserved. He had never been so undignified.

Chen Dalang's gaze softened slightly, and the amusement in his eyes deepened.

Chen Chuangu, however, took pity on him and reached out to pat his back. "Eldest Brother, you must be more careful when drinking water."

"Thank you for your concern, Brother Chen." Rong Xi wiped the water from the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief.

Liang Siwen also set down his chopsticks to look at him. Seeing that his coughing had reddened his eyes until tears nearly spilled out, he did not know why, but he cast aside his former prejudice and softened. "Be careful."

As expected of the protagonist Liang Siwen, he was truly kind-hearted.

Rong Xi smiled faintly, his gaze exceptionally gentle. "Thank you, young master."

Liang Siwen seemed somewhat embarrassed and annoyed. He gave a soft huff and lowered his head to eat.

After learning that Chen Dalang was actually the renowned Prince Qin, Rong Xi gradually calmed down after his momentary loss of composure.

He simply had not expected Prince Qin, known as King Yama, to be so young and handsome.

"Xi has matters to attend to and will not disturb Young Master Chen, Brother Chen, and Young Master Liang during your meal. Xi will take his leave."

Now that he knew Chen Dalang's identity, he understood that Prince Qin must have important business in Mengshan County if he had come in plain clothes.

Qin Ke nodded coldly. Chen Chuangu was somewhat reluctant to see him leave, but at the thought of dining at Rong Residence tomorrow, he felt very excited.

Only Liang Siwen continued eating to his heart's content.

After Rong Xi left, the waiter brought over another dish and set it on the table.

Not only Qin Ke's group, but the other diners in the hall were also astonished. They all began asking what this new dish was.

The waiter explained patiently. Seeing the diners' amazed expressions, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

The name tofu instantly became wildly popular and spread throughout the city.

Chen Chuangu scooped some up with a spoon. It trembled as though it might fall apart, so he swallowed it in one bite. It was tender, smooth, and refreshing, and he praised it repeatedly.

"Fresh! Tender! Delicious!"

Liang Siwen was already speechless.

Qin Ke only took one bite before he did not touch his chopsticks again.

"Why aren't you eating?" Chen Chuangu asked in surprise.

Qin Ke glanced at him. "I'm not hungry."

Tomorrow, Rong Dalang would be cooking personally. Naturally, he needed to save room to savor it slowly.

Chen Chuangu and Liang Siwen did not know what he was thinking. They polished off the entire plate of tofu and ate until their bellies were uncomfortably full.

After returning to the inn, Qin Ke suddenly asked Liang Siwen, "Why did Rong Dalang bully you?"

Chen Chuangu rolled his eyes. What kind of question was that? Although Rong Dalang did not seem like a lecherous man, one could not ask the victim something like that.

"Father, I heard he likes men." Liang Siwen blushed slightly.

He did not consider himself particularly handsome. He looked rather valiant and was unlike the delicate beauty of male courtesans. He did not know why Rong Dalang had forced himself upon him.

"Before this, did the two of you have any contact?"

Qin Ke was naturally not asking without reason. He trusted his instincts.

Liang Siwen thought for a moment, then said quietly, "No."

Though it could not be ruled out that Rong Xi had been moved by lust at first sight, most coincidences in this world were man-made.

"After we return to the capital, investigate this matter thoroughly."

Qin Ke had always been indifferent, yet he suddenly cared about such a matter. Liang Siwen thought he was concerned for him, and his heart leaped with delight as he could not help smiling.

"Mm!"

After leaving Gourmet Pavilion, Rong Xi went to Hu Residence to see Hu Yulin.

"Eldest Brother, look."

Hu Yulin placed two items on the table and spread out an illustration.

At the sight of the two things on the table, Rong Xi was overjoyed. One was potato, and the other was corn. Both were delicious, sweet food crops!

"Brother Xuan Shi, excellent! Excellent!"

It was rare to see him so excited. Hu Yulin could not help being affected by him and laughed heartily as well.

Author's note:

Thank you, sweethearts, for the mines and nutrient solution~ Kisses to everyone~

Chapter 21

The heavens were unkind. Rain began to fall in a fine drizzle at around two in the morning.

Rong Xi woke from his dream with a start. Listening to the lingering sound of rain outside, he found himself unable to fall asleep again.

The window paper was once more whipped up by the wind and rain, slapping against the window lattice with a loud flapping sound.

It would be nice to have Glass. With his eyes open, he sighed again.

Rong Residence, tucked away in its secluded corner, remained peaceful. Yet Mengshan County was thrown into an uproar amid the rainy night.

County Magistrate Cao, who oversaw the law, was suddenly detained and awaited escort to the capital. When flawless evidence was laid before him, he could no longer make a clamor.

Qin Ke wore black robes, his features cold and stern.

"If you reveal the mastermind, perhaps your life may be spared."

A mere county magistrate had no ability to monopolize the method of iron smelting.

Moreover, when they had previously taken shelter at Rong Residence, the county magistrate had sent men to search house by house. He must also have been acting on the mastermind's orders.